"Frustrated and disappointed at not being believed"

I got acute Covid in early 2020 and my symptoms did not leave. I developed numbness and tingling in my hands, left side of my body, had bulging veins for a few months prior ( myself and my family became concerned that Covid was causing clotting in my blood as evidenced by the post-childbirth sized clots emerging from my monthly period). I had an episode where I suddenly couldn’t speak and from that point on, I experienced short term memory loss and word aphasia for a few months.

I was referred to neurology by my GP.

This appt was one of the worst medical appts I’ve had in my life. Essentially, I was told in no uncertain terms that Covid does not cause clotting. All my other symptoms were chalked up to anxiety and grief, as my brother had unexpectedly passed months prior to getting covid. I broke down in tears of frustration and disappointment that not only was I not going to get help for these very worrying and serious symptoms, but that I wasn’t even believed. 

I understand people knew less about Covid than they do now, but it is a well known fact that Covid does, in fact, cause blood clotting in some patients. I’ve only now a few years later and thankfully mostly recovered (after 2 1/2 years of long covid), been able to process the medical trauma and what I quite frankly believe is abuse at the hands of many NHS consultants whose ego sadly got in the way of helping people. 

I really hope next time we have a pandemic with a new disease, that consultants will not be so quick to think they understand a new disease and how it behaves within months of its arrival.

There has to be accountability in medicine just like in every other working sphere. This is sadly one example of many during those few years and my story is so similar to many others who had long covid. 

My relationship with the medical system is no longer what it was. The damage done from fighting for help and fighting to be believed created an emotional toll, on top of the physical one.

Lessons have to be learned.